Former Luck teacher Vern Longhenry, 55, of West Sweden (Town of Luck), who resigned amidst allegations of immoral conduct this past December, has now been formally charged with “Expose Child to Harmful Descriptions,” a Class I Felony.

Background

On Dec. 11, Luck School District Administrator Cory Hinkel shared the following statement with the press – a statement which had gone out to all of the families in the Luck School District on Dec. 8 through the school’s email/phone system:

“Parents of School District of Luck students: The district received a student complaint against one of our staff members earlier this week. The administration investigated these allegations and while the investigation was ongoing the staff member resigned.

“The alleged conduct constitutes immoral conduct as defined by Wisconsin Statutes. Therefore the district has reported the situation to the Department of Public Instruction. Sincerely, Cory Hinkel.”

It was then incumbent on Luck Police Chief Monte Tretsven to escort the allegedly immoral educator out of the school building and off of the campus.

Monday night’s meeting of the Centuria Village Board was rather brief. Brian Kammerud was appointed to the Water and Sewer Commission; the Police Report was accepted without comment other than the fact Chief Jorgenson is using a new format; and the resignation of the Deputy Clerk was accepted.

Tracey Frokjer was hired last year, coinciding Clerk/Treasurer Judi Jepsen’s retirement. Karen Edgell stepped into Jepsen’s boots and Frokjer into Edgell’s. When Fjorkjer was first hired it was for 25 hours per week – with the knowledge that number would decrease.

That number did decrease to 10 hours per week, which resulted Frokher turning in her resignation - rather abruptly. Last Wednesday she said in a letter that Friday would be her last day (she was only working on Fridays).

Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Sarah McKenzie, 41, of Luck, was just sentenced by U.S. District Judge William Conley to one year and one day in federal prison for making a forged security. Her prison sentence will be followed by two years of supervised release. McKenzie pleaded guilty to this charge on Oct. 30, 2017.

It was Friday evening, Feb. 9 at 6:35 p.m., when Polk County Dispatch received a report of a “car versus pedestrian” – a hit and run. The caller said a woman was lying in the street at the intersection of Highway 46 and Keller Avenue, near Central Street – and the vehicle had fled the scene.

Amery Police were dispatched and upon arrival the officers were advised that an adult woman was crossing Keller Avenue from west to east when she was struck by a vehicle being driven southbound on Keller Avenue. The driver briefly stopped and got out of his vehicle. He removed the victim’s purse and scarf from the hood of his car, handed it to the witnesses – and left, telling the witnesses that he would return.